Welcome to Cinema Catalog
Cinema Catalog is an Australian film portal dedicated to researching and documenting films that feature casinos, poker, roulette, blackjack, and gambling environments. We present each title as an item in a classic movie library, with detailed reviews, plot breakdowns, character studies, and archival facts.
- Focus on narrative, characters, and cinematic details, not gambling promotion.
- Retro aesthetic inspired by vintage posters, old cinema catalogues, and analogue photography.
- Curated archive organised into clear sections for easy browsing.
From the Archive
The Cincinnati Kid
The Cincinnati Kid (1965) is a classic poker drama set in 1930s New Orleans. The film follows Eric 'The Kid' Stoner, a young poker player who challenges the reigning champion, Lancey Howard, to a high-stakes game. The film is celebrated for its tense poker sequences and strong performances, and it is notable for its realistic depiction of five-card stud.
Read the full reviewExplore Our Sections
Film Reviews
In-depth reviews of classic and modern films featuring gambling themes, focusing on narrative, performances, and cinematic style. Each review includes a synopsis, analysis, and rating.
Story & Plot
Detailed breakdowns of film plots, including key scenes, twists, and thematic elements, presented as archival notes. Spoiler warnings are provided.
Characters
Profiles of memorable characters from gambling films, exploring their motivations, relationships, and iconic moments. Includes character analyses and actor information.
Casino Cinema
A curated collection of films set in or around casinos, exploring the glamour, danger, and drama of casino life. Includes films from multiple genres.
Poker Movies
Films where poker is central to the plot, from high-stakes showdowns to character-driven dramas. Covers classic and contemporary poker films.
Roulette Films
Films featuring roulette as a key element, from suspenseful spins to symbolic moments of chance. Includes films where roulette drives the plot.
Film Facts
Fascinating trivia, behind-the-scenes details, and historical context for gambling-related films. Includes production notes and cultural impact.
Editorial Articles
Long-form essays and think pieces exploring themes, trends, and the cultural significance of gambling in cinema. Written by the Cinema Catalog team.
Recent Additions
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Rounders
1998A law student and poker prodigy returns to the underground card rooms to help a friend pay off a debt, risking his future and his relationship.
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Casino Royale
2006James Bond enters a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale to bankrupt a terrorist financier, leading to a brutal and personal confrontation.
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The Sting
1973Two con men in 1930s Chicago orchestrate an elaborate scheme to take revenge on a ruthless crime boss through a fake betting parlour.
The Allure of the Casino in Film
The casino is a stage where character is revealed through risk.
An excerpt from a recent editorial article exploring why casinos have been such a compelling setting for filmmakers, from the glamour of Monte Carlo to the grit of Las Vegas. The article discusses themes of chance, morality, and spectacle.
Read the full articleAbout the Archive
Cinema Catalog is a research-driven archive. We select films that use gambling environments as meaningful narrative elements, not just as backdrops. Each entry is compiled from primary sources, including original reviews, production notes, and interviews.
We prioritise films with strong storytelling and memorable characters. Our documentation includes plot summaries, character analyses, and historical context. We avoid promoting gambling; our focus is purely cinematic.